TPN trials reduced time frame for RDC deliveries
The Pallet Network (TPN) and its members are trialling a system to cut the amount of time trucks are sat waiting to make deliveries into RDCs. At a meeting of TPN members in July this issue was raised as a major concern for all hauliers and as a result trial has been set up. Adam Leonard, managing director at TPN, says an increasing proportion of the deliveries made through the network were into RDCs.
“Our members are fed up with queuing and losing the vehicle for hours if not a whole day, while it waits to make a delivery at an RDC and so we are trialling a system where we will only make deliveries into RDCs between 9am and 2pm.” He adds the problems are symptomatic of the fact that major retailers are putting the squeeze on their suppliers. “The trial is a fairly radical step [designed to] prevent the rest of our members’ customers being penalised because the trucks carrying their deliveries are stuck in an RDC.”
Leonard admits that the policy has resulted in some “tough” conversations with the retail customers of some members. “But there needs to be sensible dialogue so the retailers understand why we are doing this.”This is something that collectively the pallet networks should be addressing with the major retailers because it is not cost effective for the transport industry,” he says.
The trail is due to run for a month, after which TPN will collect feedback from the members and decide whether to extend the policy more permanently.
